Darwin and the Cape

Location: South African Museum

2009 saw the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, as well as the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book, On the Origin ofSpecies. His theory on the evolution of life through natural selection provided a scientific foundation for understanding how life diversified on Earth, and it is the theory that holds biology together. Darwin visited the Cape in 1836 on his journey around the world on the HMS Beagle. He corresponded with naturalists at the Cape, including previous staff of the South African Museum.

This exhibition provides an overview of Darwin’s life, his contribution tobiology, and his relationship with the Cape.